We’re On Our Way Home!
We have a full load of cargo destined for a port back home! We stopped for a load of heavy fuel or ‘bunkers’ and some diesel for the generators in Fujairah, UAE. The anchorage was teaming with vessels from across the globe. We estimated there were in excess of two hundred-plus ships, primarily consisting of petroleum cargo ships.
I was in charge of Anchoring. I walked the heavy, yet sturdy anchor using the windlass as “eight shots” or nearly seven hundred-twenty feet of chain paid out into the dark blue abyss.
A curious sea snake loomed on the surface as we attempted to heave the anchor back “home” later the next morning. They say the sea snake is the most poisonous of snakes. I wouldn’t want to test that theory!
Our transit out of the anchorage was like going down a busy parking lot outside a Wall-Mart during a busy Saturday afternoon! Although, most ships were sitting idle, at anchor, there were a few who were moving and caused an eye brow to lift from the Captain’s perspective as we were in a constricted area and would have a difficult time maneuvering if the need arose. I stood as look-out with the Chief Mate taking position as collision-avoidance officer and monitoring ‘contacts’ which might have posed a threat via the RADAR sets.
Nonetheless, the ‘Tern has embarked based on a voyage plan which will put her into port in no less time than almost a month later. The weather is clear, with a thick haze and visibility a bit diminished.
The end of October is near. Halloween is within site as the goblins are preparing for a night of spooking. Keep safe and always watch where you walk. I heard the maritime expression,”Red-to-red, green-to-green, keep the
anchors in between! ” This means primarily to pass port-to-port or keep the other ship to our left.
I hope you all have a nice Halloween weekend!
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